Arizona’s New Health Professional Wellness Programs: Five Things You Should Know

For the past few years, healthcare professionals have faced unprecedented challenges, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey revealed that one of the top drivers for nurses leaving their current positions was the emotional toll of the job.[1] Conditions such as understaffing can lead to additional stress for physicians and other…

Getting Back to Normal: AHCCCS Begins Regular Enrollment Renewals

Concurrent with the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (“PHE”), the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (“AHCCCS”) modified requirements related to member enrollment and provider revalidation. Following the Consolidated Appropriations Act of December 2022, Medicaid is decreasing specific additional funding made available during the PHE. As a result, AHCCCS has returned to the regular renewal process…

White tablets spilling out of medication bottles, addiction concept.

Arizona Relaxes Restrictions on Opioid Prescribing  

In 2018, Governor Ducey signed the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, which set strict limits on opioid prescribing for physicians who practice in Arizona.[1]  That legislation prohibited health care professionals from prescribing more than a five-day supply of opioids, with certain exceptions, e.g., patients with cancer pain, and patients in hospice.  The legislation was the product…